Many moms and dads want to go out actively with their children, but just thinking about the amount of luggage can make many feel weighed down.
In this article, I will introduce the must-have items I always carry when going out with my baby. I hope this serves as a helpful reference for those reading.
Here are my current parenting specs:
- Out with a 0-year-old
- Before starting solid foods (Pre-weaning)
- Mostly travel by stroller, walking, or public transport
- Mixed feeding (Breast milk and formula)
Bag Introduction
I use a “Mother’s Rucksack” from WORKMAN. (Item Number: FKL563)
The features of this backpack are the large number of pockets (compartments) and the low price.
When I first bought it, I was skeptical, thinking “Do I really need this many pockets?” However, having specific spots for everything means I can tell at a glance what’s missing before leaving, and it really helps when I need to find something in a hurry (which happens a lot in parenting…).
Since Workman is originally a workwear brand, the water-repellency is top-notch. It was packed with features and cost 3,900 yen (at the time of purchase).
For details on size and pockets, please refer to their official post.
Workman has an online shop, but since this rucksack is a “store-exclusive item,” if you are looking for something similar and don’t have a store nearby, I recommend searching online for “Mother’s Bag” or “Mother’s Rucksack” to find one that suits your taste.
Personally, I recommend items with features like the D-rings and shoulder strap buckles (which allow you to put it on/take it off while wearing a baby carrier) shown in the product below.
Packing List by Category
① Milk & Nursing
- Empty baby bottle: I used to use Pigeon’s “Bonyu Jikkan” (Nursing Room), but since my baby now only drinks from this one, I use the slim type.
- Cooled boiled water (Yuzamashi): When hot water is available, I dissolve the formula with the hot water and then use this cool water to adjust the temperature.
- Liquid formula: For when there is no hot water or for emergencies. This milk doesn’t need warming and can be given as is. It comes in 120ml and 200ml sizes, so I swap them depending on the distance of the trip.
- Powdered formula: I carry one serving in a milk stocker bought at a 100-yen shop. I also sometimes use “Raku-raku Cubes” (cube-type formula).
② Diapers & Hygiene
- Alcohol spray: I sanitize my hands with this before touching my child.
- Baby wipes: I love “dacco” products because the sheets have a nice thickness and come out one by one.
ポチップ
- Diapers
- Diaper changing sheet: I don’t lay my baby directly on public tables; I always use this sheet. I bought it at 3COINS. It was waterproof, cheap, and highly recommended, but it’s not in stores now and sold out online, so it might be discontinued… There are various types of disposable changing sheets available, so purchasing those is also hygienic and recommended.
ポチップ
- Trash bags: At home, I use bread bags, but since there aren’t always trash cans when out, I carry at least one black bag.
- Pocket tissues
- Gauze
- Bib
③ Others
- Ballpoint pen
- Nursing cover: I haven’t needed it yet, but it’s for emergencies. I bought a Copper Pearl one on Mercari because it had good reviews.
ポチップ
- Sunscreen / Baby cream
- Change of clothes
- Maternal and Child Health Handbook (Boshi Techo): In case of emergency.
- Medicine Notebook (Okusuri Techo)
- My Number Card: Used as a health insurance card and ID.
- Tumbler: I carry it empty to save weight. If I get thirsty, I fill it with convenience store coffee or transfer the cooled boiled water for my own hydration. I love getting takeout coffee, but I can’t push a stroller while holding a takeout cup, so I often ask the staff to put it in my tumbler.
Summary
How was it? While keeping weight reduction in mind, I considered the minimum necessary items for sudden hospital visits or disasters, resulting in the lineup introduced above.
I will write a separate article about what to carry after starting solid foods.
